Clutch structure



Oct. 10, 1939. R. GusTAFsoN CLUTCH STRUCTURE Original Filed July 23,1936 2 Sheets-Sheet l CLUTCH STRUCTURE Original Filed July 23, 1936 2Shets-Sheet 2 y ttymm 1 Patented Oct. 10, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENTOFFICE 92,197. Divided and this application April 6,

1937, Serial No. 135,313

8 Claims.

This invention r-elates to a clutch structure and has for one of itsobjects the production of a simple and efficient means for clamping aclutch shoe or clutch shoes in a gripping position p upon a drum througha Wedging action produced in co-operation with wedge-shaped supportingmembers.

Another object of this invention is the production of an eicient clutchdrum mechanism which is so constructed as to permit the parts thereof tooperate in oil and thereby obtain a cushioning grip of the shoes uponthe drum when applied and ease the strain upon th-e axle and otherassociated mechanism. This application constitutes a divisionalapplication of my application relating to Clutch steering mechanism fortractors, filed July 23, 1936, Serial Number 92,197, and is also acontinuation in part of my application relating to Clutch steeringmechanism for tractors and other vehicles, iled November 30, 1935,Serial Number 52,417.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will appear throughoutthe following specication and claims.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of the clutch unit, illustrating also theoperating means therefor, the supporting axle and certain otherassociated parts being shown in section;

Figure 2 is a top plan view of the clutch unit;

Figure 3 is a horizontal sectional view taken on line 3 3 of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a sectional View taken on line 4 4 of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a sectional view taken on line 5-5 of Figur-e 3;

Figure 6 is a fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the clutchunit showing the manner of connecting the shoes or clutching segments;

Figure '7 is a perspective View of one of the` trigger ngers and one ofthe clutching segment shifting arms, a portion of the supporting discplate being shown in section;

Figure 8 is a section taken on line 8-8 of Figure 4;

Figure 9 is a sectional perspective view through a portion of thesupporting disc plate, one of the clutching segments and one of thewedge plates;

Figure 10 is a fragmentary sectional View of a portion of the clutchdrum, and clutching plate showing one of the headed bolts, the partsbeing drawn apart;

Figure 11 is a perspective view of one of the bell crank levers used inthe clutch drum.

By referring to the drawings, it will be seen that I0 designates anoperating rod which is pivotally secured, as at II, to the upper end ofa lever I2. The lever I2 is pivotally supported upon a bracket or link 9carried by a support A. A yoke I3 is 5' pivotally connected to the leverI2, as at I I. The rear end of the yoke I3 is connected to a turnbuckleI4, which in turn is connected to a link I5 and a rocker arm I6 iscarried by the supporting rod I'I journaled, as at I8, to a housing H. Acoil spring I9 is connected to the upper end of the lever I2 and also tothe housing H to assistv the lever I2 in returning to its rearwardlyswung position after the pull on the rod I9 is released. The lever I2 ispivotally connected at its lower 1 end to one end oi the band 2I, bymeans of a connection 2D, and the opposite end of the band 2| carries ajournal 22 through which a rod 23 extends. YThe opposite end of the rod23 is connected, as at .24, to the lever I2 above the bracket 9, and acoil spring25 is carried by the rod 23 to spread the ends of the band 2Iapart or free the same when the band 2l is disengaged from the clutchdrum of the clutch mechanism C hereinafter described. An adjusting nut26 is upon the outer end of the rod 23 to adjust the band 2|. The throwof the lever I2 may also be adjusted by means of the turnbuckle I4;

The clutch mechanism C comprises an outer drum 30 which is carried by asection 3l of' the driving shaft D and is mounted within thereon bymeans of a plurality of headed bolts 32 which are in threaded engagementwith their supports or secured in any desired manner and the outer endsof the bolts 32 pass through the arcuate slots 33 formed in the web ofthe drum 30. A disc plate 34 is anchored to the section 3| of the shaftD and is mounted withinv the outer drum 30,- as shown in Figure 3. Theheaded bolts 32 also engage the disc plate 34, as shown. The plate 34carries additional headed bolts 35 which are threaded into theirsupports and have outer ends extending through the arcuate slots 36 inthe web of the drum 30 to anchor the disc 34 and outer drum 39 inassembled relation, but at the same time allowing relative movementbetween the outer drum 3i) and the disc plate 34. A plurality ofthreaded studs 31 are arranged in staggered relation in diametricallyopposite positions near the periphery of the outer drum 30 and upon theinner face of the drum, as shown in Figure 7. Trigger shafts 38 aremounted to extend between the respective studs 31 of each group, andthese trigger shafts 38 are carried by and extend at right angles to theface of the disc plate 34, as

shown in this gure and in Figures 4 and 6. Trigger ngers 39 are carriedby trigger shafts 38 and extend between the respective studs 31 of eachgroup. These lingers 39 are adapted to normally remain out of Contactwith studs 31. As the disc plate 34 oscillates with respect to the outerdrum 38 when the band 2| is applied in gripping relation to the outerdrum 39, the trigger shafts 38 will be rotated, the arms 4|] carried bythe inner ends of the trigger rods 38 will be swung, pulling upon thelinks 4| and causing the wedge-shaped clutching segments 42 to be movedin the -direction of the arrows shown in Figure 4 t0 disengage the shoe42. Suitable expansion springs 43 are carried by clutching segments orshoes 42 to exert pressure against the inner arms 49 in their normalengaged position, thereby keeping shoes 42 against drum 44 in a normalengaged position. The ends of the expansion springs 43 may be engaged bysuitable plates such as abutments 43 and 44', such as is shown in thedrawings. I preferably employ four clutching segments or shoes 42 whichare preferably arranged in pairs having the large ends of the segmentsconnected to the links 4|, as shown. These clutching segments or shoes42 are arranged in circular formation within the inner drum 44, as shownin Figure 4 which inner :drum is adapted to be tted within the outerdrum 30 and is carried by the flange 45 at the end of the driving axleD. A pilot stub shaft 46 is carried by the inner face of the inner drum44. The clutching segments or shoes 42 are mounted to engage themarginal rim of the inner face 48 of the inner drum 44 and arepreferably formed of abutting sections which are substantially U- shapedin cross section .and bolted or secured together in any suitable ordesired manner to simulate an I-beam structure in cross-section as shownin Figure 8, In this way, a relatively wide gripping face will beproduced for each clutching segment or shoe 42. The pilot stub shaft 46is journaled in the pilot bearing 46 carried by the inner face of thedisc plate 34 as shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5. This will allow the innerdrum 44 and the shaft D to freely rotate when the clutch is disengaged.Because of this structure the unit may be easily removed for repair orreplacements which may be made.

In order to properly support the shoes 42, I provide guide or wedgeplates 49 which are secured to the inner face of the disc 34 radiallyinwardly of the clutching segments or shoes 42, as shown in Figure 4.These guide plates 49 are provided preferably with roller bearings 50which engage the inner faces of the clutching segments or shoes 42, andas the clutching segmentsl or shoes 42 of each pair are spread apart inthe opposite direction of the arrows shown in Figure 4, the shoes 42will be brought into wedging engagement with the inner face 48 of theinner drum 44 due to the Wedge-shaped formation of the shoes 42 and thesliding movement of thefshoes over the rollers 50 which are carried bythe guide plates 49. As shown, the guide plates 49 are closer to thedrum 44 adjacent the smaller ends 52 of the shoes 42 than at the largerends of said shoes. The smaller ends of the shoes 42 of one pair areconnected to the bell crank slotted levers 54, which levers are pivoted,as at 55, to the plate 34. Springs 55 are preferably employed tonormally pull the outer ends 52 of the shoes of the clutching segments42 towards each other, the shoes 42 normally being engaged tightly inthe drum `44 except when the parts are operated to disengage same. Thesprings 43 and 56 co-operate to hold the shoes in wedging engagementwith the wedge plates 49, and the rotatable frictional force of the drum44 against the lining of the tapered shoes 42 in either direction willcause two of the shoes to ride up on the wedge plates 49 for rmfrictional engagement with the rim of the drum 44. The bell crank levers54 will cause the adjoining pair of shoes 42 to be pulled up on theirwedge plates 49. This will cause the small ends of the pairs of shoes 42to be drawn together. Consequently, the greater power applied to thedrum 44 will cause a tighter wedging action of the shoes upon the drum44. When the trigger ngers 39 are swung by the studs 31 to release theshoes, the frictional force of the drum 44- will tend to disengage theshoes 42.

It should be understood that the clutch unit C, as shown in Figure 4will revolve as one unit when the clutch unit C is normally engaged andno pressure is applied to rod I0, the shaft 3| re volving at the samespeed and same applied power as shaft D. The springs 55 pulling thesmall ends of the shoes toward each other and into wedging action andthe tension of the expansion springs 43 pressing against the arms 40will cause the links or push rods 4| to push against the shoes 42 towhich they are connected. This action will cause the two uppermost shoesshown in Figure 4 to be forced apart and in wedging engagement with therollers of the adjacent guide plates 49 and the inner face 48 of thedrum 44. The bell crank levers 54 will also pull the adjoining shoesinto gripping relation. The relative 'driving force of driving shaft Dand drum 44 in either forward or backward motion will cause all of theshoes 42 to further Wedge tighter against the drum 44.

Friction on one or any of the shoes 42 engaging the drum 44 will causeall of the shoes to be applied, since the shoes are all connected, asshown in Figure 4. The tension springs 56 will tend to pull the smallends of the adjoining sets of shoes toward each other. The bell cranklevers 54 which are pivoted, as at 55, have slotted engagement with thesmall tapered ends of the adjoining pairs of shoes 42. The slotted endsof the levers 54 guide the shoes and prevent the displacement thereofand at the same time allow proper movement of the tapered ends of theshoes 42. The arms or levers 40 and links 4| at the same time push orforce the large ends of the adjoining shoes 42 apart frorn, or awayfrom, the .action of the springs 43. All four of the shoes 42 will inthis manner be forced into wedging engagement against the drum 44 androllers of the guide plates 49. This will lock the two drums together.

By pulling the rod l0 forwardly, the lever is swung in a forwarddirection and will swing upon its pivot towards the left in Figure 1.This movement will pull the two ends of the band 2| toward each otherand cause the same to be tightly drawn around the drum 3D. The band 2|is not intended to hold the drum 39 stationary, as if such lockingaction occurred either the shaft 3| would be stopped or breakage of somepart of the mechanism would occur. When the desired gripping action isaccomplished, the plate 34 will slightly rotate with respect to the drum30 and the studs 31 will engage and swing the trigger ngers 39, therebyrotating the shafts 38 and swinging the arms 49 to pull the .adjoiningshoes 42 which are connected to the arms 40, together at their largeends. In this way, the shoes will be moved to a disengaging position, orto a nonwedging position, when pressure from the springs 43 is overcomefrom the `arms 40 due to the pull of the linksg4l; The friction of thedrum 44 against the shoes142 will tend to release the shoes 42. VItshould be noted4 that when one shoe 42 moves into4 a disengagingposition, the fulcrum lever'4 54 through, the medium ofthe slotted endsWill move Vthe adjacent shoes 42 to a disengaging position. 'I'hesprings 56 and springs 43 will normally hold the shoes in aclutching orengaged position when pressure is released from the trigger fingers 39.The drum 36 and plate 34 may slightly-oscillate with respect to eachother, and the friction of the shoes upon `the bands will f tend torelease the shoes 42 or engage the shoes 42, as the band .2| is releasedor engaged, as the case may be.

As stated previously, the parts may be so constructed as to work in oilwithin the housing I-I and for this purpose the band 2| should beconstructed of suitable or desired oil resisting material foraccomplishing the desired result, and at the same time allowing acushioning grip for the brake or clutching mechanism.

What is claimed as new is:

1. A clutching mechanism of the class described comprising outer andinner interfitting drums, a disc plate mounted within the outer drum andcarried thereby, means for connecting the outer drum and disc to permitsaid outer drum to oscillate upon the disc, a brake band for grippingthe outer drum, wedge-shaped clutching segments slidably mounted withinthe inner drum, inclined guiding plates engaging said clutching segmentsfor causing said clutching segments to produce a wedgelike grippingaction upon said inner drum as said clutching segments are shifted inone direction, and means operable from said outer drum for shifting theposition o1 said clutching segments.

2. A clutching mechanism of the class de scribed comprising outer andinner intertting drums, a disc plate mounted within the outer drum andcarried thereby, means for connecting the outer drum and disc to permitsaid outer drum to oscillate upon the disc, a brake band for grippingthe outer drum, wedge-shaped clutching segments slidably mounted withinthe inner drum, inclined guiding plates engaging said clutching segmentsfor causing said clutching segments to produce a wedge-like grippingaction upon said inner drum as said clutching segments are shifted inone direction, means operable from said outer drum for shifting theposition of said clutching segments, and bearings carried by saidguiding plates and engaging said clutching segments.

3. A clutching mechanism of the class described comprising outer andinner intertting drums, a disc plate mounted within the outer drum andcarried thereby, means for connecting the outer drum and disc to permitsaid outer drum to oscillate upon the disc, a brake band for grippingthe outer drum, wedge-shaped clutching segments slidably mounted withinthe inner drum, inclined guiding plates engaging said clutching segmentsfor causing said clutching segments to produce a wedge-like grippingaction upon said inner drum as said clutching segments are shifted inone direction, means operable from said outer .drum for shifting theposition of said clutching segments, transversely extending rollerbearings carried by the guide plates and engaging the inner faces ofsaid clutching segments, and said clutching segments being arc-shapedthroughout their length and conforming to the contour of the inner drum.

4. A clutching mechanism of the class described comprising outer andinner interilttingl drums, a disc plate mounted within the 'outer drumand carried thereby, means for connecting the outer drum and disc topermit said outer drum to oscillate upon the disc, a brake band forgripping the outer drum,wedgeshaped clutching segments slidably mountedWithin the inner drum, inclined guiding plates engaging4 said clutchingsegments for causing said clutching segments to produce a Wedge-likegripping action upon said inner drum as said clutching segments areshifted in one direction, the clutching segments being arranged inpairs, a 'trigger rod in-4 terposed between the segments of each pairand connected to the adjoining ends of each segment of each pair forspreading the segments of each pair apart as said trigger rod isrotated, ngers carried by each trigger rod, and tripping studs carriedby the outer drum and engaging said 1ingers for rotating said triggerrods.

5. A clutching mechanism of the class de-V scribed comprising outer andinner intertting drums, a disc plate mounted within the outer drum andcarried thereby, means for connecting the outer drum and disc to permitsaid outer drum to oscillate upon the disc, a brake band for grippingthe outer drum, wedge-shaped clutching segments slidab-ly mounted withinthe inner drum, inclined guiding plates engaging said clutching segmentsfor causing said clutching segments to produce a wedge-like grippingaction upon said inner drum as said clutching segments are shifted inone direction, the clutching segments being arranged in pairs, a triggerrod interposed between the segments of each pair and connected to theadjoining ends of each segment of each pair for spreading the segmentsof each pair apart as said trigger rod is rotated, fingers carried byeach trigger rod, tripping studs carried by the outer drum and engagingsaid fingers for rotatating said trigger rods, said rods havingprojecting arms, and buffer springs carried by the adjoining ends of thesegments of each pair and contacting with said arms.

6. A clutching mechanism of the class described comprising outer andinner intertting drums, a .disc plate mounted Within the outer drum andcarried thereby, means for connecting the outer drum and disc to permitsaid outer drum to oscillate upon the disc, a brake band for grippingthe outer drum, wedge-shaped clutching segments slidably mounted withinthe inner drum, inclined guiding plates engaging said clutching segmentsfor causing said clutching segments to produce a wedge-like grippingaction upon said inner drum as said clutching segments are shifted inone direction, the clutching segments being arranged in pairs, a triggerrod interposed between the segments of each pair and connected to theadjoining ends of each segment of each pair for spreading the segmentsof each pair apart as said trigger rod is rotated, iingers carried byeach trigger rod, tipping studs carried by the outer drum and engagingsaid ngers for rotating said trigger rods, said rods having projectingarms, buffer springs carried by the adjoining ends ci the segments ofeach pair and contacting with said arms, slotted links pivotallyconnected at one end and engaging the outer ends of said clutchingsegments for connecting the outer ends of the respective pairs ofsegments,

and springs interposed between said last mentioned outer ends.

'7. A clutching mechanism of the class described comprising inner andouter drums tting one Within the other, a clutching band for checkingrotation of said outer drum, a disc mounted Within said drums, saidouter drum having arcuate shaped slots, securing bolts passing throughsaid slots for connecting the outer drum to said disc and allowing saidouter drum and disc to oscillate with respect to each other,wedge-shaped shoes arranged in pairs and mounted Within said inner drum,inclined guide plates engaging said shoes for causing said shoes toproduce a Wedgelke gripping action upon said inner drum when said shoesare moved in one direction, and means for shifting said shoes as saidouter drum and disc respectively oscillate.

8. A clutching mechanism of the class described comprising outer andinner nterfltting drums, mechanism supporting means mounted Within saiddrums, means for connecting the outer drum and mechanism supportingmeans to permit said outer drum to oscillate relative to said mechanismsupporting means, brake means for gripping one of said drums, Wedgingmeans slidable within the drums, means for moving the Wedging means intogripping engagement with the other drum, and means operable from theadjoining drum for shifting the position of said wedging means to a.disengaging position.

ROY GUSTAFSO-N.

